Interim City Manager Stan Feathers announced on Nov. 5 that retired Waterford City Administrator Chuck Deschenes has joined the city's management team as an interim operations manager. Deschenes replaces retired Merced County CEO Demetrios "Dee" Tatum, who leaves the position due to state regulations on the limited number of hours he can work after retirement.

Oakdale voters have spoken on the structure they want to see for its city council and the direction they will take the city for the next few years. One newcomer will join a re-elected councilman for full terms and a former mayor will fill the two-year remainder of a vacant seat.

Congressman Jeff Denham has a list of local matters to take on as he prepares to take over the newly drawn 10th Congressional District. On Tuesday, Nov 6, Denham defeated Democratic challenger Jose Hernandez by taking 54 percent of votes cast.

An Oakdale City Council member's employment with a local alternative energy firm has raised conflict-of-interest concerns for participating in agenda item discussions as the city explores the possibility of an alternative energy project of its own using solar panels in an attempt to offset city energy costs.

Land decisions underscored a series of votes by the Oakdale City Council on Monday evening, Nov. 5. After discussions, the council chose to re-designate 10 acres in the Bridle Ridge housing development from high-density to medium-density residential zoning, voted to purchase three parcels on Yosemite Avenue between H and J streets for the proposed community plaza and skate park, and moved forward for a new perimeter fence around the city-owned airport.

Incumbent Oakdale City Councilman Tom Dunlop appeared headed for re-election to a four-year term with 1,141 votes as of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, with five of 10 Oakdale precincts reporting in. Newcomer Don Petersen was close behind with 1,111 votes and, if the trend held, would be elected to the other four-year term on the council.